An educator from the villages of Si'ufaga, in Savai'i, To’oala Fetauai Unasa, is ready to contest next year's General Elections.

The 50-year-old has registered as an independent candidate vying for the Fa'asaleleaga No.4. seat, currently occupied by first-term Member of Parliament, and Associate Minister of Health, Tofa Li'o Foleni. 

To'oala has endorsed the Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) political party.

To'oala is one of the five candidates vying for the seat of Fa'asaleleaga No.4. according to the official lists of candidates issued by the Office of the Electoral Commission. The other candidates include the incumbent M.P., Tofa Li'o Foleni (H.R.P.P.), Unasa Tauheia Leva'ai (H.R.P.P.), former opposition M.P., Tea Peato (F.A.S.T.), and Unasa Viane Toala (F.A.S.T.). 

To'oala also holds the Aumalesulu title from Siutu in Salailua, Savai'i. 

The father of five holds a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) from Pacific Adventist University (P.A.U.), P.N.G., and spent 27 years as an educator in Samoa. 

He also revealed that the other two candidates he is up against in the general election next year, Unasa Tauheia Levaai and Unasa Viane Toala were his students at high school.

To'oala said that running as an independent candidate is a winning strategy as the constituency already have two candidates flagging the F.A.S.T. banner, and two flying the ruling Human Rights Protection Party's flag. 

Asked about what inspired him to run in the election, To'oala said: 

"I am a matai currently serving my people, the church, and living in the village with my family. My wife is a member of the village women council (i le saofaiga a faletua ma tausi). 

"My eldest daughter is a ‘tamaitai o le aualuma’ and her husband is serving as a ‘taulealea tautua’ in the village, and that my decision is a goal-driven ambition, inspired by principles, to improve governance, to build strategic cooperation between government and citizens, to uphold the rule of law, accountability, and transparency and to build broad-based support for reform that is constitutionally-based and constitutionally orientated."

He strongly believes that there is a need for improvement in order to implement the goals he has in mind. 

To'oala believes that "services at all levels of government ministries, departments and organisations should be improved. 

Moreover, there is also a need to enhance foreign relations and partnership policies. 

Nevertheless, he strongly believes that "planning" is needed for all systems at all levels of developments in the different sectors within the country. 

To'oala also hopes to develop the livelihood of the people in all aspects of living, exercise rules, and laws against corruption and corrupt practices. 

Lastly, he wants to enhance people's understanding and knowledge of the practicalities of the Samoa's Constitution. 

"The people of Samoa must be constitutionally orientated’ (Directed by the Constitution)."

 He holds a Bachelor Of Education (B.Ed) from PAU-PNG 1996-1998. 

He and his wife, Lili Unasa Laufiso-Tiatia spent four years at the Malua Theological College and graduated with a Bachelor Of Divinity, from 2002-2005. 

To'oala is a former Samoa College Student, 1986-1989, and was the Hostel Head Boy for the Class of 89. 

They have 5 children and seven grandchildren. 

To'oala currently holds a high position for the Savai'i Samoa Puapua Stake (from Siufaga to Patamea) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.